The Regressed Game Director Is Too Competent

The conversation proceeded smoothly after successfully persuading Won-jung.

That said, my role ends here.

Explanations regarding the support strategy and methods are more within Yumi’s expertise.

“After this, it won’t be me but Yumi beside me who will explain everything to you.”

With that, I gave Yumi a look to subtly tell her to start.

Upon seeing this, Yumi nodded and handed over a pile of documents to Won-jung.

“What is this…?”

“This is the guidebook for our company’s indie game support program. Please take a look.”

At Yumi’s suggestion, Won-jung nodded, then began reading the booklet.

Won-jung ended up reading much more carefully than expected. Just as I started feeling a bit impatient,

he put down the guidebook. The confusion was apparent on his face.

“Is there something in the book that you don’t understand?”

To Yumi’s question, Won-jung slightly shook his head.

“No, it’s not that. It’s just… reading through the guide, it seems like we’re the ones who only benefit from this.”

I understood why Won-jung might feel confused.

China, after all, was a country where actions were often driven by guanxi.

But we had absolutely no connection or guanxi with Won-jung, let alone any shared history.

So why would a foreign company bear such costs to support him?

It would be strange if he didn’t feel at least somewhat confused.

Yumi seemed to have anticipated Won-jung’s reaction, as her voice remained calm and steady.

“This support program isn’t entirely free on our part either. We are offering you a choice instead.”

“Choice?”

“Yes. I don’t think you expected to receive all this for free, right?”

Though her direct tone could have come across as rude, Won-jung nodded in understanding.

“We plan to support everything from development costs, live service development expertise, server support, to signing partnerships, even extending to minor details like management fees or rentals. However…”

“However?”

“You just have to choose one out of the following: publishing fee or part of your company’s equity stake.”

At this, Won-jung seemed surprised as he looked up.

“You speak of ‘equity,’ but our current situation doesn’t really amount to more than a university club; we don’t have any meaningful equity to give.”

“I know that.”

“Then…”

“Isn’t there a mobile game project you’re currently planning?”

“Oh, yes. That’s correct.”

“In any case, once the game is released, maintaining live service with your current company setup will be almost impossible. Take this opportunity to properly incorporate your business and then transfer part of your equity to us.”

“What percentage of equity are we talking about…?”

“20%.”

“20%?”

Seemingly surprised by how substantial the equity request was, Won-jung’s expression showed a hint of uneasiness.

But the look on Yumi’s face indicated she had no intention of backing down.

‘Sure enough, despite her gentle demeanor in everyday life, she’s sharp and assertive when it comes to business negotiations.’

“That 20% seems…”

“Burdening?”

“Yes, it feels a little heavy.”

I roughly guessed what was making Won-jung uneasy.

He was probably worried about potential interference with his company’s management rights.

It was certainly a typical concern for Won-jung, who had chosen the path of entrepreneurship instead of going to university.

“Then, how about this?”

“Yes?”

“We’ll refrain from interfering with the management even though we take the equity stake.”

“Is that really possible?”

“Yes, and if you don’t trust me, we can also add a special clause to the contract.”

After hearing Yumi’s final comment, Won-jung seemed more assured and nodded.

“Thank you very much.”

*

The meeting with Won-jung was successfully concluded.

Thanks to this, Won-jung was about to gain invaluable support with development funds, live service development know-how, and more.

Moreover, I would acquire what amounted to a lottery ticket that was virtually pre-drawn.

Of course, I’d have to wait at least two years, probably closer to three, to cash in on it.

After seeing Won-jung off, Yumi returned and flopped into the chair.

“Goodness, I feel like I’m about to die from exhaustion…”

“You’ve worked hard. How about some coffee?”

“Will Director be treating?”

“Of course.”

“If the Director’s footing the bill, I’ll definitely go for the expensive option—be prepared!”

“Alright, alright.”

Cheerful at the prospect of a free caffeine fill-up, I took Yumi down to the coffee shop on the first floor.

Even though it was still morning, the café was bustling with company employees.

After handing my card to Yumi and asking her to place our order including my usual Americano, I made my way to find a seat.

Not long after, Yumi returned with two cups of coffee.

Judging by the size of the cup she was carrying, she had indeed opted for a venti.

As Yumi sat across from me and we both took a sip of our coffees, I asked,

“By the way, have we fixed the schedule post the support program?”

“From what I’ve heard, as long as the applicant passes the business qualification review, the support will commence right away.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Plus, in this case, it seems the game has already been released, so I’ve been told the review will go quite quickly?”

“Only because of that?”

At this, Yumi slurped her coffee with a straw and nodded.

“When I spoke with a senior at the business department, it seems the indie game sector isn’t free from troublemakers. Some just put up a sign for indie games and disappear with the subsidies, or create something haphazardly and demand profits…”

“Wherever there’s money, scammers inevitably show up, huh.”

“That’s so true…”

With a mutual sigh, Yumi and I rested a bit before heading back to the office.

—

A few days after smoothly concluding the project,

a phone call came in on my smartphone.

The caller? Su-yeon, our president.

After ending the call and heading to the president’s office, I found Su-yeon seated in her chair, seemingly lost in thought.

“Did you call for me?”

“Ah, you’re here? Our Director.”

“You wanted to see me?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Won’t you sit for a moment?”

Following Su-yeon’s suggestion, I sat on the sofa.

Then Su-yeon brought out two cans of coffee from the refrigerator and handed me one.

“Do you have a busy schedule tomorrow, Ho-jin? Say, any external commitments?”

Upon Su-yeon’s question, I thought about it but shook my head.

“No, not really.”

“Good! I think you should come with me somewhere tomorrow.”

“Where exactly…?”

“To the Enson Korea Head Office.”

“Head Office? Why?”

To this question, Su-yeon sighed with a serious expression.

“Because you’ve become too successful.”

“Pardon?”

“This isn’t a joke,” Su-yeen continued seriously.

“Basically, the sales of Girls’ Memorial have caught the attention of not only the corporate chairman, but your achievements have come to the ears of the president’s father. He wishes to meet you.”

“Yes,”

“This is my first time dealing with something like this… honestly, I’m not sure what to say.”

This seemed amusing to Su-yeon, as she chuckled and waved a hand.

“There’s no need to be so overwhelmed. Besides, my father must not have any special motives for calling you.”

“Is that so…”

“Oh, and by the way, if my brother or sister says anything weird to you, just ignore them, alright?”

“Strange things?”

“My siblings manage subsidiaries as I do, and like father, like children—they have a strong desire for talented people.”

“Aah…”

Su-yeon, after adjusting her posture, leaned back and asked subtly,

“Can I really trust you, Ho-jin?”

“Of course.”

***

The next morning,

Dressed in a suit instead of my usual casual wear, I waited for Su-yeon in the company lobby.

Behind me, I heard a familiar voice.

I turned around to see Su-yeon walking toward me, dressed in a black two-piece suit, smiling.

“President, you’ve arrived.”

“Director, you’re right on time.”

“Can’t be late when there’s an appointment.”

“You’re doing well. Let’s head out then?”

“Isn’t it a bit early?”

“It’s fine. Father always starts his day at seven anyway. We’ll arrive just in time.”

Given her confident answer, I simply nodded.

Nobody could know the president’s schedule as well as Su-yeon.

Thankfully, she seemed to be in a much better mood than yesterday, and we headed toward Enson Korea in a car.

“When we arrive at the head office, I’ll briefly explain how you should act.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Father will mostly ask straightforward questions. Don’t worry about sensitive topics—he won’t bring them up.”

“But is that okay?”

“Yes, I know you’re not someone who’d slip up in conversation.”

“I understand.”

“As I mentioned yesterday, if my siblings start saying weird things, simply ignore them.”

“Anything else…?”

“One more thing I need to ask, Ho-jin.”

“Yes?”

“Considering that hiring you, it was the first act of defiance to my father in my entire life—”

“Ah?”

“Even if Father is a little cold towards you, please understand, alright?”

“That’s only natural.”

With such exchanges, before I knew it, our vehicle had arrived at the main entrance of Enson Korea.

After confirming the car had fully stopped, Su-yeon opened her door and said:

“Remember what I’ve told you earlier, and just follow behind me.”

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